FAQ

Which Type of Dryer is Best for Humid Environments?

March 19, 2019

The performance of your compressed air system is based on a number of factors, with ambient temperature and humidity levels being very important. When the environment is hot and humid, the air coming out of your compressor will be even more hot and humid. Dryers are necessary in most environments and especially humid environments, but which dryer should you use?

If you need a high level of dry  air, a desiccant dryer would be used. Desiccant dryers can reach pressure dew points as low as -100 degrees Farenheit and are often used in both very hot/humid and cold climates. Desiccant dryers are also used in applications such as mold prevention, medical applications, textiles and food factories to keep the air as dry as possible. These dryers use desiccant material (similar to the non-edible packs you find in your newest shoe box) to adsorb and remove the humidity from compressed air. 

It is also important to note that air dryers are sized based on your ambient temperature and incoming air, as well as the capacity of your air compressor. The larger the HP of your compressor, the larger the CFM will need to be on the dryer. Most importantly, you want to choose the right dryer based on the temperature of your environment. If the ambient temperature and incoming air are over 100 degrees Farenheit, but you don't have high humidity, typically a high-temp dryer is recommended. These dryers are recommended for use in hot climates such as Florida, Arizona and California, or for people who are using piston compressors or cast iron compressors that will heat up quicker than rotary screw compressors.

Pneumatech offers multiple dryer product lines to fit ever application, ambient temperature and flow need. You can browse our refrigerated dryers HERE and our desiccant dryers HERE.